WWF Scotland today (Tuesday 7 June) welcomed the findings of a new study published by People & Planet which identified several Scottish universities as performing well in their efforts to reduce their environmental impact. [1]

Says a spokesperson: “However, the environmental charity called on all universities to ‘up their game’, as the same study suggests that overall carbon emissions at 139 UK universities rose by 3.9 per cent between 2005 and 2010.”

WWF Scotland’s head of policy, Dr Dan Barlow, said: “It is great news to see a number of Scottish universities performing well; however, on cutting climate emissions the picture is clearly mixed.

“If the education sector is to play its part in helping Scotland meet its climate targets then it is important that all universities up their game.

“We hope that universities that are performing well offer advice and support to those struggling to cut emissions. If they work together it should be possible for every Scottish university to eventually pass the climate test with flying colours.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] People & Planet’s annual Green League

People & Planet’s Green League is the only comprehensive and independent league table of UK universities ranked by environmental and ethical performance.

It is compiled annually by the UK’s largest student campaigning network, People & Planet.

In 2011, 142 universities provided People & Planet and HESA with enough information to be entered into the league table.